Chapter 36: Essence Energy Pills
Chapter 36: Essence Energy Pills
The intelligent system, utilizing its vast database, provided an incredibly detailed cultivation plan based on the personal information Li Yuan had submitted. The plan was highly tailored to his needs, and each aspect was thoroughly explained with clear justifications.
After reviewing the entire plan, Li Yuan had to admit that the system's analysis made a lot of sense. "AI intelligence based on big data is truly remarkable," he thought to himself.
However, the plan was incredibly expensive. "If I were to follow this plan, I'd need to spend approximately 400,000 Blue Star Coins/Points every month," Li Yuan calculated, feeling a chill run down his spine. "That's nearly 5 million a year!"
How much did the Martial Palace's gift of Blue Star Coins and points amount to? Only 3 million per year.
At this moment, Li Yuan truly understood what his uncle, Li Changzhou, had meant.
Full-time martial arts training? Without money, what's the point of training? To become a powerful martial artist, one needs to invest a significant amount of money.
"I haven't even become a Rank Advancer yet. Once I do, the expenses will only increase," Li Yuan shook his head slightly.
Of course, Li Yuan was also aware that the cultivation plan provided by the intelligent system was of the highest caliber. It was designed to maximize the efficiency of improving physical fitness, martial arts skills, and mental energy—the three aspects that, when enhanced together, would significantly increase his chances of becoming an Origin Warrior.
The only drawback was the high cost. Even for a wealthy family like Wan Xiao's, such an expense would likely only be feasible during the final year of high school when preparing for college entrance exams.
"Lin Lan Yue's family background seems even more affluent than Wan Xiao's, which is probably why her cultivation resources are on such a high level," Li Yuan sighed inwardly. "No wonder her progress far surpasses that of her peers."
With her natural talent, hard work, and abundant resources, how could an ordinary person compete with Lin Lan Yue?
"My advantage lies in the Divine Palace," Li Yuan pondered. "With the Great Sun Sky Scripture, I can not only rapidly enhance my mental energy but also achieve deep sleep, eliminating all fatigue, which is equivalent to the best physical therapy."
The Great Sun Sky Scripture had played a significant role in Li Yuan's rapid improvement in physical fitness.
"Therefore, I can forego items like spirit-nourishing potions and top-tier physical therapy," Li Yuan decided. "Even though using them might increase my cultivation efficiency."
But what choice did Li Yuan have, being poor? "When you're poor, you have to choose the option with the best value for money."
Li Yuan scanned through the other items in the plan. "With this, the main expenses in terms of points will be threefold: physical fitness enhancement, including basic Vital Energy Potions and Essence Energy Pills; deep bath therapy; and combat training with a 15th-level martial artist, twice a week, costing 20,000 Blue Star Coins per week."
The total monthly expense would be approximately 240,000 Blue Star Coins/Points.
By the time of the college entrance exam in June next year, the total cost would be around 2 million Blue Star Coins/Points.
"The next gift from the Martial Palace won't arrive until October next year," Li Yuan realized. "Moreover, I should also start saving points for when I become a Rank Advancer."
There would be many cultivation resources available at university, but they wouldn't be accessible until then. Li Yuan had to plan ahead.
"As for cultivation points, I'll ask Teacher Xu Bo about the Starlight Spear Technique, Dragonwalk Body Technique, and master guidance when I return to school," Li Yuan decided.
Time passed by, second by second. Suddenly, Li Yuan received two bank notifications, which appeared directly in the virtual network.
"Your account ending in 1486 has received 1,000,000.00 Blue Star Coins..."
"Your account ending in 1486 has received 120,000.00 Blue Star Coins..."
Two deposit notifications.
"Hmm? One of these deposits must be from Grandmaster Wan, and the other is probably the contract reward from the Martial Palace."
"Li Yuan felt a bit perplexed and asked, "But why is the contract reward 1.2 million Blue Star Coins?"
"Could it be that there's an additional 300,000 coins that I have to pay back?"
Li Yuan was about to inquire when Xiao Yu spoke up.
"Master, the cash reward for this year has been credited to your account. According to the contract, all the rewards for the 2042-2043 period have been fully deposited."
"But why is there a difference of 300,000 coins in the cash reward?" Li Yuan couldn't help but ask.
"Taxes, of course!"
"The contract rewards from the Martial Palace are managed through a public account and are under national supervision. Taxes must be deducted, and the Martial Palace has already paid them on your behalf. You can check the details in the Virtual Tax Space." Xiao Yu promptly explained, "Normally, for such a large income, the portion exceeding 1 million coins is subject to a maximum personal income tax of 50%."
"But contract rewards are considered privileged income, and the state offers tax reductions, so only 20% is deducted."
"Let me remind you, tax evasion is not an option. If caught, the penalty starts at a tenfold fine."
Xiao Yu giggled, "But rest assured, master, the additional 1 million coins are a private gift and are not subject to taxation."
"As for the points and cultivation points, they are distributed internally by the Martial Palace and are considered expenses... The Martial Palace will handle the tax calculations and payments, so you don't have to worry about it."
Li Yuan was stunned.
Taxes?
300,000 Blue Star Coins, just like that? Li Yuan felt a sharp pain in his heart.
Silence filled the room for a while.
"That's right, I should pay taxes," Li Yuan consoled himself. "In times of war with the Star Gate, the nation needs to spend on infrastructure, education, and public welfare. Paying taxes is every citizen's duty."
Since childhood, Li Yuan had been taught these principles.
In the past, it was just a slogan, but now he truly understood its meaning.
"For cultivation, try to use points as much as possible."
"Cash, after all, has a wider range of uses," Li Yuan thought to himself, with a hint of hope, "And I should give some of the cash to Auntie."
After all this hard work, wasn't this the moment he had been waiting for? Relieving the financial burden on his family had always been one of Li Yuan's driving forces.
...
Li Yuan didn't stay long at the Starfire Martial Palace. By 4 p.m., he was back at school.
He found Xu Bo in his office.
"You're back so soon?" Xu Bo was a bit surprised and smiled, "How was it?"
"The Martial Palace is really impressive," Li Yuan said sincerely.
"The Martial Palace has always offered the best cultivation conditions," Xu Bo smiled. "You've come back to me so quickly; there must be something you need."
"Yes."
"I'd like to seek your guidance," Li Yuan said respectfully, then proceeded to briefly explain the cultivation plan provided by the Intelligent System.
"The plan the AI has given you is very comprehensive, but it's also quite expensive. With your limited wealth, you should focus on the options with the best value for money." Xu Bo advised, "I'll give you two points."
"Please, teacher," Li Yuan listened attentively.
"First, try to switch to the Basic Essence Energy Pills," Xu Bo said solemnly.
"The plan suggests taking one pill per month, but ideally, you should adjust it based on your body's tolerance... If your body can handle it, taking two pills per month would be best."
"The Basic Essence Energy Pills are expensive; each one costs 100,000 Blue Star Coins," Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan, "But their effectiveness is remarkable."
"Since you haven't awakened your Martial Spirit, you can't cultivate advanced techniques. Taking these pills will greatly compensate for that weakness."
"Your physical talent is already exceptional."
"If the effects are good enough..."
"By the time of the college entrance examination, your physical quality could reach 8.5 or even 9.0, surpassing Lin Lan Yue is a real possibility," Xu Bo emphasized.
Li Yuan's eyes flickered with excitement.
But he also felt a surge of pressure.
Why did he feel poorer now that he had become a millionaire?
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
